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ASH's Reynolds, Menard's Hanna selected to Region III pool lists

Although they led their respective teams to deep playoff runs in the LHSAA boys soccer playoffs last winter, ASH junior Cayden Reynolds and Menard junior Elias Hanna faced their stiffest competition this summer.

Although they led their respective teams to deep playoff runs in the LHSAA boys soccer playoffs last winter, Alexandria Senior High junior Cayden Reynolds and Menard junior Elias Hanna faced their stiffest competition this summer.

After being invited to the 2017 US Youth Soccer Region III Boys Olympic Development Program (ODP) Trials in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as one of 1,000 soccer athletes in his age group, Reynolds was one of 40 players selected for its 2000 pool list — being the only athlete from Louisiana to be selected to that list. Hanna made the 2001 pool list, while DeRidder junior Alexci Nava, Leesville senior Xavier Reyes and Pineville senior Christian Wilson also represented Central Louisiana at the showcase.

"When they said my name, that was humbling, I was in awe," Reynolds said. "I said, 'Are you kidding me? I can't believe it. All of this hard work. Everything that I've been working for since I was a kid is already paying off.'"

Reynolds got the invite to the regional ODP after doing well on his tryouts on the state.

Playing with Tennessee's team since Louisiana did not field enough players born in 2000, Reynolds made the list after performing well and impressing coaches in various trials and competitions.

"It was weird, because I didn't get this nervous feeling," Reynolds said. "I don't know if it was God telling me, 'Just don't worry about it, I have a plan,' but I wasn't as nervous. They started naming them off and skipped Louisiana, so I thought no one made it, but then they got to Tennessee and I was the second-to-last player called. I just saw my mom crying and my friends congratulating me and just couldn't believe it again."

Hanna shared the same excitement after making the 2001 list.

"It was a great experience," Hanna said. "I did this last year and I did not get selected. That didn't get me sad of anything because I knew I had to push harder, so I could get it this year."

With Reynolds and Hanna's summers ending, they are hoping for big things on the pitch this season.

After two straight successful postseason runs in Division II, ASH will move up to Division I for at least the next two seasons, but that has not simmered Reynolds expectations for himself and his team.

"My expectations are to make those around me better and spread what I've learned," Reynolds said. "Over the years of doing ODP's, my mindset has changed from just wanting to be the best to helping people around me."

Last season, Hanna scored four goals and recorded eight assists for a Menard team that reached the Division IV quarterfinals.

He is also hoping that the Eagles can soar this season and crack that top four in their division.

"I just hope that my team and I can play well," Hanna said. "Hopefully I can be a leader and that we have more of a winning season than last year."